Traveling Asia on a budget doesn’t have to be just a dream. I spent 58 days exploring beautiful destinations like Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Cambodia, all for less than $5,000. This even included airfare! I found cheap flights, stayed in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels and guesthouses, and enjoyed affordable local food. I used public transportation and budget airlines to get around and made sure to plan activities that didn’t cost a fortune. With a little research and smart choices, I stretched every dollar. If you’ve ever wanted to explore Asia for an extended time without overspending, I’ll show you exactly how I made it happen.
Planning and Budgeting
Traveling Asia on a budget starts with good planning. Before my trip, I set a clear budget of $5,000 for 58 days. This amount needed to cover everything—airfare, places to stay, food, transportation, and activities. To save money, I looked for cheap flights months in advance and booked at the right time.
I also researched budget-friendly accommodations like hostels, guesthouses, and affordable hotels. These places are comfortable and perfect for meeting other travelers. For food, I planned to eat like the locals. Street food and small eateries are not only delicious but also very affordable.
Transportation was another key part of my budget. I relied on public transport, budget airlines, and even walking when possible. This kept costs low and let me enjoy the journey. I also made a list of free or low-cost attractions to visit, like temples, markets, and parks.
Careful planning helped me stick to my budget while still enjoying every moment of my trip. If you plan ahead and make smart choices, you can travel Asia on a budget too!
Traveling Asia on a Budget
Here’s a breakdown of how I spent less than $5,000 for 58 days of traveling Asia:
1. Airfare (Round Trip to Asia)
Cost: $961
I found a great deal on flights by being flexible with my travel dates and comparing airlines. This was a multi-city trip, which made it even more affordable and convenient. I started with a direct flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo, which made the long journey much more comfortable.
On the way back, my flight from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to LAX had two layovers. While layovers can sometimes be tiring, these weren’t bad at all. The layover times were reasonable, giving me time to rest and stretch without feeling rushed. Plus, this multi-city itinerary allowed me to visit multiple countries while keeping my airfare costs under control.
2. Accommodation (58 Nights)
Cost: $1,160
During my 58-day trip, I stayed in budget-friendly hostels, guesthouses, and affordable hotels, averaging $20 per night. These places were clean, comfortable, and often included free Wi-Fi, and sometimes even breakfast.
Japan, being one of the more expensive parts of Asia, had the highest accommodation costs, where I averaged $30 per night. In Vietnam, Cambodia, and South Korea, I was able to find excellent deals, averaging just $15 per night. Despite the lower prices, the accommodations were still great, and some even included extra amenities.
To balance my budget, I occasionally treated myself to nicer hotels, which added a bit of luxury to the trip without breaking the bank. Traveling Asia on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort—it just means finding the right places to stay for the right price.
3. Food
Cost: $900
Traveling Asia on a budget meant finding ways to save on food while still enjoying great meals. I spent about $15 a day on average. In Japan, where food is more expensive, I saved money by cooking my own meals at hostels that had kitchens.
In places like Vietnam and Cambodia, food was much cheaper. I ate a lot of street food and at local restaurants, where meals cost between $2 and $8. The food was delicious and very affordable.
By cooking sometimes and eating cheap local food, I kept my food costs low while enjoying all the amazing flavors Asia has to offer.
4. Transportation (Within Asia)
Cost: $1,050
Traveling Asia on a budget meant using affordable transportation options like budget airlines, trains, buses, and local transport such as tuk-tuks and motorbikes. Public transportation was not only cheap but also a great way to see how locals live.
A big portion of my transportation costs came from flying between countries. I took six flights in total, which helped me travel quickly and efficiently across Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangkok. Using budget airlines kept these costs affordable.
In Japan and Korea, subways were the easiest and most affordable way to travel around cities. They were reliable and covered most areas I wanted to visit. In Vietnam and Cambodia, since there are no subways, I used local buses to travel between places at a low cost.
For shorter trips within cities, I used motorbikes and tuk-tuks when the distance was too far to walk. However, if it was within 3 miles, I preferred walking to save money and enjoy the sights. By combining flights, public transport, and walking, I kept my transportation costs low while fully experiencing local life.
5. Activities and Attractions
Cost: $500
I spent my time visiting temples, national parks, museums, and markets. Many of these places were free or had small entrance fees, usually between $5 and $15 per site.
I also treated myself to a few special activities, like visiting water parks and joining guided tours. These cost a bit more, around $25 to $50 each, but they were worth it for the experience. By mixing free or low-cost attractions with occasional splurges, I enjoyed a variety of fun and memorable activities while staying within my budget.
6. Miscellaneous
Cost: $300
Traveling Asia on a budget also meant planning for extras. This category covered things like travel insurance, data coverage for my phone, a few souvenirs, laundry, snacks, and small unexpected expenses. These little costs added up, but I kept them manageable by being mindful of my spending.
Having a small budget for miscellaneous items ensured I could handle surprises without overspending, making my trip smoother and stress-free.
Total Expenses:
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Airfare | $961 |
| Accommodation | $1,160 |
| Food | $900 |
| Transportation | $1050 |
| Activities/Attractions | $550 |
| Miscellaneous | $300 |
| Total | $4,921 |
Traveling Asia for 58 Days on a Budget
Traveling Asia on a budget for 58 days was an incredible experience that taught me the value of planning and making smart choices. With a focus on affordability and flexibility, I was able to explore multiple countries, immerse myself in different cultures, and create unforgettable memories—all for under $5,000.
This journey showed me that with the right mindset and a bit of effort, long-term travel doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re dreaming of traveling Asia without overspending, it’s absolutely possible to make it happen. Start planning, be resourceful, and enjoy the adventure!
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my guide on solo traveling for tips, advice, and inspiration to explore the world on your own!
